Lutheran EMS (LEMS) has been a staple of emergency medical services in Miami County, Indiana, for over a decade. Their dedicated professionals have shown unwavering commitment to providing immediate Advanced Life Support (ALS) care, a crucial service that has undoubtedly saved countless lives. Myself, along with many others in our community, have depended on LEMS in times of dire need, placing our trust and perhaps even our lives in their capable hands.

Recently, the Miami County Commissioners have made a decision that has sparked great concern among residents: the consideration to replace Lutheran EMS with Parkview EMS. This decision seems to be taking place without seeking the support or input from those who will be most affected—the constituents of Miami County. Transparency and community involvement are paramount when it comes to decisions involving public health and safety.

The proposal to replace a respected and trusted EMS provider without clear rationale or community consultation raises questions and stirs anxiety about the continuity of high-quality emergency medical care, and also what is actually going on behind closed doors within the County Commissioners. LEMS has not only established an impeccable service record; they have built strong relationships within our community, understanding its unique needs and challenges.

The offered proposal for Parkview EMS to run three staffed BLS trucks with an ALS chase truck imposes great risk and assumption that immediate ALS care will not be available to every patient the moment EMS arrives at their door or to their emergency. Given this, Miami County’s run volume has been increasing every year, and Lutheran has offered to supply a fourth committed 911 ALS ambulance to assist in times of need  and reiterates Lutheran’s unwavering support and compassion for the community as it continues to grow.

The new contract under Parkview is millions of dollars out of taxpayer’s pockets. Tax rates will inevitably rise to pay for this new contract.

Parkview EMS might indeed be a competent organization, but until there is an open discussion with the community, rushing such a significant transition could jeopardize the robust EMS framework we currently rely on. It's crucial that the voices of the citizens are heard before such a pivotal change is executed. 

Among comments made by the commission, the idea that Lutheran EMS “only transports to Lutheran facilities” is outright untrue. Lutheran EMS advocates for their patients and has an intense interest in ensuring each patient is taken from the scene to the most appropriate facility that can adequately care for their unique emergency. LEMS has, countless times, transported patients to surrounding counties and hospitals so long as it was appropriate and possible to do so.

This petition calls on the Miami County Commissioners to hold transparent, community-inclusive discussions about the future of our EMS services. We urge them to reevaluate their stance, consider the community’s trust in Lutheran EMS, and implement a decision-making process that is both transparent and inclusive.

By signing this petition, you stand with us in demanding transparency and community involvement in critical public health and safety decisions. Let's ensure our voices are heard before decisions are made on our behalf. Please sign and support our community's call for transparency and trust in our local EMS decisions.